Abstract: A piston engine includes a nozzle-diffuser providing air-fuel to the crankcase. The nozzle-diffuser has input and output ends, and a throat between the input and output end having a cross sectional area that is smaller than the cross sectional areas of the input or output ends, and in which the interior surfaces of the intake port are tapered. The nozzle-diffuser may be housed in the crankshaft, and it alters the speed, pressure and temperature of the air fuel charge. Improvement of fuel air mixing to a more homogeneous charge and delivery rate of result in increased power, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust gas emissions by the engine.

Abstract: A piston engine includes a nozzle-diffuser providing air-fuel to the crankcase. The nozzle-diffuser has input and output ends, and a throat between the input and output end having a cross sectional area that is smaller than the cross sectional areas of the input or output ends, and in which the interior surfaces of the intake port are tapered. The nozzle-diffuser may be housed in the crankshaft, and it alters the speed, pressure and temperature of the air fuel charge. Improvement of fuel air mixing to a more homogeneous charge and delivery rate of result in increased power, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust gas emissions by the engine.

Abstract: Piston has upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a cylinder engaging surface, such as a piston ring, comprised of solid lubricant. The lower portion includes a cylinder engaging surface comprised of liquid lubricant control means. The distance between the upper and lower cylinder engaging surfaces is sufficient to provide a temperature differential of at least 316.degree. C. (600.degree. F.) between the upper and lower portions during normal engine operations. This differential is adequate to maintain the temperature of the cylinder at the bottom ring reversal point at a temperature below the breakdown temperature of a liquid lubricant when the temperature of the cylinder liner at the top ring reversal point is at a temperature above the breakdown temperature of the liquid lubricant.

Abstract: Thin thermal barrier coating of a specified thickness of 0.002 to 0.009 inch to insulate the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to achieve optimum reduction of transient head flow. The coating is of an optimum thickness to reduce in-cylinder heat loss in the combustion chamber during combustion, thus increasing engine efficiency, specific power output, and reducing emissions. However, the temperature increase is not so great as to adversely affect engine lubricant life or volumetric efficiency. The invention is particularly suitable for gasoline engines as it does not cause preignition or knocking that is generally caused by insulating coatings of greater thickness. In addition, the invention is particulalry suitable for aluminum combustion chamber components. The thinner coating also results in improved reliability and durability by reducing chipping and cracking failure tendencies associated with ceramic coatings.

Abstract: The thermal ignition combustion system comprises means for providing walls defining an ignition chamber, the walls being made of a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 20 W/m.degree. C. and a specific heat greater than 480 J/kg.degree. C. with the ignition chamber being in constant communication with the main combustion chamber, means for maintaining the temperature of the walls above a threshold temperature capable of causing ignition of a fuel, and means for conducting fuel to the ignition chamber.

Abstract: A replaceable monolithic, hollow, generally cylindrical cylinder liner formed of hot pressed silicon nitride adapted for operating at the high engine temperatures caused by fuel combustion and friction within the liner without need for liquid cooling thereof. The liner includes a surface adjacent its outer end for forming a radial press fit with the inside surface of the cylinder cavity and a stop-engaging surface formed on the cylindrical liner surface spaced axially inwardly of the press fit surface or along the innermost face of the liner for engaging an engine block liner stop within the cylinder cavity.

Abstract: Combustion chamber defining components such as cylinder liners in internal combustion engines are composed of a plurality of metal oxides which combine to impart good wear resistance and thermally insulative characteristics.